S T U D E N T P R O J E K T P Å E K H A G A F Ö R S Ö K S G Å R D • 2 0 0 1
VEGAN FOOD ON 800 m2
Lilja May Otto
Centrum för uthålligt lantbruk
1 Studentprojekt på Ekhaga försöksgård • 2001
Vegan food on 800 m2
Centrum för uthålligt lantbruk SLU Box 7047 750 07 Uppsala
Student projects at Ekhaga experimental farm • 2001
Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences S-750 07 Uppsala
2 Centrum för uthålligt lantbruk (CUL) S T U D E N T P R O J E K T P Å E K H A G A F Ö R S Ö K S G Å R D • 2 0 0 1
VEGAN FOOD ON 800 m2
Lilja May Otto
Centrum för uthålligt lantbruk
3 ABSTRACT
The sustainable production of foods is the larger topic of a set of projects run at the Ekhaga Experimental Farm at Funbo, Lövsta in Sweden. Two field experiments have been set up to investigate possibilities for self sufficiency based on an adjusted traditional diet and alternatively based on a vegan diet. The project focuses on the respective land requirements, an adapted choice of crops and the appropriate ecological production methods based on human labour. This report analyses the experiences and results from this year's vegan food plot. Space requirements for self-sufficient production based on a vegan diet are considerably lower than for any diet, which consists of a lot of meat. When plants are consumed directly such energy, which would be lost though further transformation within the food chain can be used directly1. It is assumed that under the given conditions sufficient food security can be achieved on a plot of 800 m2. The planning process and farming techniques were very much guided by the concept of permaculture. Permaculture seeks to create highly diverse, productive, and resilient agro-ecological systems, by imitating the patterns and features of natural ecosystems. The results have not been entirely analysed, since not all crops could be harvested, but a preliminary conclusion is given.
1Under extreme climatic conditions, that make it impossible to grow sufficient vegetables and potatoes or cereals, this does not hold true and animals might then be a more adequate source of nutrients. Contents
PREFACE 3
INTRODUCTION 4
BACKGROUND 5
VEGAN NUTRITION 6
THE VEGAN FOOD PLOT 8
PRECONDITIONS 8 THE SET UP OF THE SYSTEM 8 PATTERN UNDERSTANDING 9 FARMING TECHNIQUES 10 THE CROPS 13 WORKLOAD 21 HARVEST 21 PLAN FOR 2002 AND LONG TERM 22
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 24
2 combination of practical work on Preface the farm, community work with the villagers and environmental I am a student of agricultural education for the children, this sciences and I have been studying project has a strong impact on the at SLU since last August as an way people work with their exchange student. In Berlin I have environment. The association studied general agricultural applied the principles of sciences for the past three years. Permaculture, which were My initial motivation for taking up developed by Bill Mollison in order my studies was my special interest to create highly diverse, productive, in ecological farming. I strongly and resilient agro-ecological believe that we need a change in systems. I have tried to apply some agriculture and I have high hopes of the principles of permaculture in for a new development towards my system. ecological and more sustainable agricultural systems. I would like to In this project it is hard to find a find an alternative to avoid the balance between pure theory and waste of energy, when transporting the methods and crops valid for foods from one end of the world to use in current Sweden. A the other. And I am also concerned nutritionally sound diet is not about the negative effects that the enough, but I also tried to take into unfair trade of commodities and the account, that we need some variety production of goods for export has in our diet and enough herbs to on many countries of the South. make it tasty and interesting all year around. I tried to keep the This is why I became interested in outside inputs as low as possible. If the idea of developing a system of I did use external materials I tried food self sufficiency for the North, to look for re-usable or recycled and decided to get involved in the material, such as re-usable and student project at Ekhaga. I also recyclable bird nets, and re-usable have a personal interest in working "fiber duk". with such a system, since I hope to be part of a farm or ecological community later on. I wanted to find out more about the traditional crops in Northern Europe and the also the possible uses of wild herbs and plants within a small scale agricultural system, for food and other purposes.
In 1996/97 I had the chance to work on an ecological farming project in Ecuador. This work with the Fundación Golondrinas deeply fascinated me, as the association offered practical solutions to small farmers in the rural areas of Northern Ecuador. Through a
3 will also be to reduce energy Introduction consumption. Local production of locally adapted crops can be one Veganism, why go vegan….. some way in Agriculture, on the one hand reasons and then the land to avoid large inputs into question… agriculture, and on the other to Whether we will be able to produce avoid the transport costs. When enough food and how to go about it dividing all agricultural land in is an ever-important question. Sweden today, it comes to …m2 Today it is widely assumed that the per person. And at the same time quantity of food we produce is the average Sweden consumes enough and will be sufficient to food, which has been grown on sustain the world's population for approximately 3200m2 today. A quite some time. The question of person living on an adjusted food security is about more than traditional Swedish diet with only simply the produced amounts regional foods will need about 2500 though. It is about distribution of m2 with an additional 600m2 food, about growing the adequate pasture. types of food in the right places and it is also about poverty and ability Space requirements for self- to pay for the food available. These sufficient production based on a questions are widely discussed in vegan diet are considerably lower different fora and the scope of this then for any diet, which consists of issue goes far beyond this essay. a lot of meat. When plants are Here I am concerned with the consumed directly such energy, production side of the food security which would be lost though further issue. There are again different transformation within the food chain 2 aspect to the food production and can be used directly . The land its sustainability. It is important to necessary to sustain one person look at the environmental impact every year will vary greatly in and the energy requirements for different climates and on different production and transport as well as soils. One suggestion by at the types of food grown for an Jeavons(1995) is that to sustain adequate nutrition. These have to one person in the United States be adapted to the cultural food based on a vegan diet within a bio habits of the respective population. intensive system will be 4000 sq Food in Sweden is to a large feet. The ecology action group has extend imported from other developed a system which can European countries and from sustain one person on 1000 sq overseas. This implies high energy feet. These numbers show how costs for transporting the food to much the space requirements vary the consumer. When looking at in different environments and also reports about our energy reserves, within different production systems it becomes quite obvious, that we catering to different food habits. It will have to rethink our energy use is therefore interesting to look at for the future, if we want to be able to sustain our societies without the 2 Under extreme climatic conditions, that make excessive use of fossil fuels. it impossible to grow sufficient vegetables and Alternative energies are and will be potatoes or cereals, this does not hold true and animals might then be a more adequate source developed, but part of the solution of nutrients.
4 the case of Sweden individually to Background draw valid conclusions for the situation here. It is assumed that The project is set on the Ekhaga under the given conditions at Experimental Farm in Uppsala, Ekhaga sufficient food security can Sweden and it is running in its be achieved on a plot of 800 m2. fourth year now. It was started by Helena Ullmark in 1998. She had a strong interest in permaculture and include some of the ideas and concepts in the initial project. In the same year the first student projects were run at the Ekhaga experimental farm. These projects give students the possibility to explore a research topic in practice for one summer. The themes have been very diverse in the past years ranging from an investigation on the role of animals in an ecological farming system (e.g. weed management, nutrition on pasture), to work with biodiversity in the farming landscape. The vegan food plot became a student project in 1999. The reports from previous years are available through the Centre of Sustainable Agriculture (CUL) at the Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.
5 metabolism. Fat is also important in Vegan nutrition the diet because it enables the body to absorb the fat-soluble The most important nutrients for a vitamins A, D, E and K from food. healthy diet are Carbohydrates - Protein - Fats - Vitamins - Important sources of the essential Minerals - Fibre - Water. fatty acids for the vegan diet In vegan nutrition these are found include seeds and the oils made in four main food groups: from sunflower, pumpkin, mustard • Cereals and rapeseed, as well as corn, • Vegetables soya, evening primrose, and wheatgerm. They are also found in • Fruit walnuts, green leafy vegetables • Pulses and grains. The diet needs to be varied in order to fulfil the body's needs. Some of Vitamin B12 all four food groups should be eaten every day. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin. Important nutrients in human diet It is used to make red blood cells and their specific importance in and DNA and B12 is also required vegan nutrition: for making a protective layer around nerve cells in the nervous Calcium system.
It is a vitamin which is not produced Calcium is important for healthy by neither animals nor plants. It is bones and teeth. produced by micro organisms in Important sources of calcium in a the intestinal tract of animals. It is vegan diet include tofu3, green leafy therefore not available from plant vegetables (especially kale and sources, unless the plants are not parsley) seeds and nuts as well as washed properly and still contain oats and black molasses. micro organisms. This might be a common source of Vitamin B12, Essential fatty acids since even a washed lettuce for example still contains 1.000- The main components of fats are 100.000 microorganisms. Bacteria the fatty acids. There are two in the human intestinal tract make essential fatty acids, i.e. two fatty vitamin B12. However, the majority acids which can not be assembled of these bacteria are found in the by the body itself. These are large intestine. Vitamin B12 does linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic not appear to be absorbed from the acid. These are important for large intestine.[…] Some bacteria maintaining the membranes of all in the small intestine apparently cells, to help regulate many body produce vitamin B12 which can be processes which include absorbed. This is one possible inflammation and blood clotting. It explanation for why so few cases of regulates the body cholesterol vitamin B12 deficiency are reported. Perhaps our bacteria are making vitamin B12 for us 3 Foods in small print are currently not or can (Wassermann, 1991). not at all be produced in Sweden.
6 The New Zealand Vegetarian not necessary to take in all eight at Society states that Mushrooms the same time. The essential amino cultivated on manure-enriched acids can also be supplied by a compost will contain vitamin B12. If combination of different foods. the mushrooms are not over Such combinations are found in the washed before use they will contain traditional dishes of most regions: some B12. There is 0.26ug of beans and corn as is South vitamin B12 in 100g of mushrooms. America, Tofu and rice as in China A serving of 4-6 mushrooms and Japan, or chickpeas and weighs 75g (New Zealand couscous as is eaten around the Vegetarian Society, 2001). Mediterranean are such examples. Vitamin B12 is stored by the body Therefore a brought variety of over a very long period and it can foods is important in the vegan diet. be assumed that when grown ups switch to a vegan diet, their body will have sufficiently large B12 Iron stores to last for another 20 years The main functions of iron are to or more. The supply with vitamin help supply oxygen to the blood, to B12 might not as serious a problem help the body resist disease, to as was assumed for a long time. promote red blood cell formation, Research on the topic is still and to maintain proper metabolism. continuing. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can be Iron in plants is less readily quite seriously though and lead to absorbed then from meat products. irreversible nerve-damage. It has But in a varied vegan diet adequate therefore been recommended by a iron intake does not pose any number of organizations for problems. Sources of iron in a example by the International vegan diet include chick peas, Association of Hygienic Physicians liquorices (avoid the sugar!), (IAHP) and physicians and muesli, spinach, silver beet, haricot nutritional scientists. Vitamin B12 beans, molasses, dried apricots, can be supplied by yeast for figs, brewers yeast, fresh wheat example. germ.
Note that vitamin C increases the Essential proteins in the vegan body's ability to absorb iron, while diet tea and coffee inhibit it.
The main protein foods in a vegan diet are the pulses (27% protein of over all calories), grains (12% protein), nuts and seeds (13% protein). Proteins play an important role within the body and it is important to get all 8 essential amino acids. Complete proteins, which contain all 8 essential amino acids are found in potatoes (2%), in green leaves and in Soybeans (40%) and soy products. But it is
7 completely empty, freshly ploughed The Vegan Food Plot plot of 16 by 50 meters (Apprndix 1.). In the past years cereals and Preconditions vegetables was grown on the field.
The foundation of a farming system The set up of the system is the habitat. There are fixed and variable preconditions, which determine the possible use and the When dividing the planting space special requirements of a site. The between the different crops I was experimental plot is situated on the guided by the report from the land of the Ekhaga experimental previous year and some additional farm. The local climate out on the literature on vegan nutrition. While farm is different from the climate in in the previous years mainly root Uppsala city about 10 km crops and vegetables had been Westwards. Temperatures are grown, a recommendation in the more extreme here. The winds are literature included a lot more also stronger since the cereals and oil crops then what had surroundings is farmland without been previously grown for this any protective trees. These project. This is a very important extreme temperature changes and issue. Cereals and oil crops reduce the influence of wind are factors the bulk of food that needs to be which can be buffered by the right consumed by a vegan in order to set up and choice of species. The fulfil the nutritional requirements. plot is situated at the foot of a hill to On the other hand, the experience the North and cold air flows down of the past years shows that these towards the plot area causing crops have not been very space earlier frosts in autumn and later efficient on the Ekhaga site, giving frosts in spring. The area suffers quite low yields per m2. from early summer draughts. The The table below shows different soil is a heavy clay. possible divisions for an 800m2 The site for the plot has been plot: changed this year, so I started on a
Division of the plot according to food groups: Food Groups Plot From literature planned my plot in 2000 for 2001 in 2001 Cereals 66 269 104 * root crops 198 78 143 beans and peas 116 304 137 Brassica 15 16 16 vegetables 41 260 220 Fruit 82 0 6 Sugar 2 ? 2 Oils 84 207 100 companions, green manure 58 40 • Because of the damage the birds did to the cereals, I could not harvest any cereals and have now planted winter varieties of wheat and oat for the next season on the cereal plots.
8 most productive spaces since they Pattern understanding combine a number of features of both ecosystems. A forest edge for There is a great variety of patterns example is a protected space with in nature while other patterns have a lot of light while the larger trees, been imposed by humans. Natural which also influence the water patterns are a vital resource for balance, nurture the soils. It is a planning and their understanding is place were species of both systems important. The square field come together. In other words boundaries, which exist on the farm edges are much more then just the now, suit the surveying instruments space where the machines doesn't and the machines. But it needs to reach properly, or where be questioned to what extend they monocultures mix and the harvest suit a small subsistence farming is difficult. On the edges of this plot system. perennial plants have been planted In a small-scale intensive system, such as fruit trees and bushes, which is based on manual labour herbs and willow. In some part it and creativity as the main external was also green manure, which can inputs, it is important to reconsider make for a low wind shelter. the existing patterns. There are a variety of aspects, which can guide The plot is now laid out as a set of the special planning of that system. half-circles, opening to the North, In appendix 1 one could see the which is facing the hill leading up to design of the plot. The plot must be the farm buildings. Narrow paths easy to be worked by one person, divide the curved seedbeds. the layout must suit the needs of A shelter hedge for protection the different crops and at the same against the winds from the time it should be pleasant to work Southwest has been started with in the field. I found that long perennial fruit bushes and small straight rows are very tiring to work, trees as well as herbs. Two apple while smaller round spaces are trees have been planted together more easily accessed. While they with smaller perennial fruit bushes. divide the plot into smaller sheltered spaces, they also divide My design includes roughly 40 the work into smaller bits, which is different species with all together very encouraging in practice. about 60 varieties, including the Edges are another important main crops and their companion aspect of patterns. Edges in nature, plants and herbs and the trees and as the transition areas between bushes (Appendix 1.). different ecosystems, are often the
9 Year 4 Winter wheat Farming techniques Year 5 Peas Year 6 Potatoes
In a small intensive system such as In a small scale intensive system this there are little external outputs, with a lot of different crops a therefore the system has to be flexible rotation is needed. planned in a way that ensures its Following the ideas of bio dynamic sustainability and maintains soil farming, the rotation for such fertility and a healthy environment vegetable plots can be easily for the crops. guided by the organ of the
vegetable that is consumed. Plant companions Vegetables can be grouped into
those grown for their leaves, their Plants in a system have a positive, roots, their fruit and their flowers. negative or neutral influence on Very little of our vegetable s are each other. These influences are grown for their flower, but important for the functioning of the ornamental flowers or potatoes can system and especially important in take their place in the rotation or a small and intense system such as even strawberries. But strawberries the subsistence plot. The limited can better be grown on the same space needs to be used as efficient bed for up to four years, when they as possible and at the same time should be moved. Their space can plant health is essential for the food then be used to start a new rotation security. Plant relationships should with leafy vegetables, especially all therefore be taken into account for brassica, since they do best on a the set up, to make best use of plot where they have not grown possible synergies and to avoid before for some time. losses. Plant influence can be spatial, between neighbouring Late and early crops who can be plants or over time, over the seen as neutral for the rotation seasons. include Spinach, lettuce, chicory and endive. The crops can be used Rotation to fill gaps as soon as the main crops are harvested. Spinach Plant companionship over time is makes for good green manure often referred to as rotation. then. Different plants have different Other aspects of importance in the needs and use the soil they grow in rotation scheme are the following: different ways. Some improve soil • Sunflowers might inhibit fertility while other crops are very plant growth of sensitive demanding. plants even in the following On the farm the following rotation year(true?) scheme is in place:
Rotation at Ekhaga Forsokgard Year 1 Oats with under sown ley Year 2 Ley 1 Year 3 Ley 2
10 Plant guilds Plant guilds in permaculture make use of the whole range of effects. Spatial plant companionship can be (picture apple guild) used to support and protect crops and to make best use of space. Manure There are different aspects when looking at the relationships The system works without any between neighbouring crops. animal products and all manure is 1. The most simply and easily to green manure grown on the plot observe aspects are speed of itself. It is therefore important to growth and space requirements of plan the space well and to include the plant. Fast growing plants can sufficient green manure every use the space in the beginning of season. the season and after their harvest the slower growing varieties will Half of the keyhole-beds have been take over. Plants with round and digged and the soil mixed with long roots can be planted closer composted green manure to create together as well as broadleaved a more favourable condition for the and narrow-leaved plants. It is then demanding crops. also important to check which part of the plant will be used for Mulching consumption later. 2. Secondly there are more The importance of mulching sophisticated interactions between became very obvious wherever it plants and other organisms in the was not done: after seeding the soils. Plants with a strong smell ground was left uncovered for a and etheric oils can deter pests. long time. The result was a very dry Onions are one such example. surface and a late seeding of the When planted alongside sweet newly sown plants. The second bid roots they will deter rodents problem was the bird damage in effectively. Marigolds help keep the field. When the heavily nematodes out of the potato plot. damaged crops were re-sown, the 3. There are also allelopathic plant beds were covered with grass effects between plants. Plants clippings which turned out to be an exudates can strengthen or inhibit effective protection for the small the development of neighbouring seedlings. When weeding the all crops. plant material was left on the plot between the crop- rows. This mulch Another aspect of planning plant then helped suppress weeds for a guilds is the gathering. Culinary while, and helped maintain soil associates, i.e. plants that are used moisture. together in cooking or processing All pathways need to be well can be planted close to each other mulched to protect the soil here to safe time and work when and make work without damage to gathering fresh vegetables. Dill and the soil possible in all weather. cucumber or tomatoes and basil Unmulched paths otherwise turn are examples. into mudslides in rainy weather and when the mud dries up the soil surface becomes crusted and caked.
11 Sheltering system, that is easily surveyed. This spring the weeds were the first To create a shelter hedge for plants to be out of the ground and protection against the winds from they provided some protection for the south-west, I have planted been seedlings that were otherwise willow, hawthorn and some wild heavily attacked by birds. Later in plums, and have seeded borage for the season flowering weeds a faster growing, temporary alongside the seedbeds, or on the windbreak for this season. One paths attract wild pollinators and seedbed is set up in the form of other insects to the plot. Other key-hole beds4. I have planted sun plants which are commonly root (helianthus tuberosus) around perceived as weeds can make the edge for extra wind shelter and strong companions for other protection in the next season and cultivars, such as dead nettles am planning to plant perennial (Lamium amplexicaule) on the herbs there as well. The beds can borders of vegetable beds and as be accessed from one side only bordering plants for potatoes. In and will be sheltered from all other traditional farmer's gardens in sides. I have seeded borage Germany plants like Good-King- around the edges here too, again Henry (chenopodium bonus) were to provide shelter for this season. planted as emergency food, since they produced even under unfavourable conditions, when the weeds cultivated crops failed. It is most important to know ones plot or We should not confuse order and garden and be conscious about the tidiness. role of weeds. Tidiness separates species and creates work (and may also invite Weed regulation: pests), Whereas order integrates, reducing To suppress weeds, I have spread work and discouraging insect attack. Bill Mollison old newspaper which was steeped in water on some of the beds and A lot of plants that are considered covered them with green manure. weeds have both positive and This technique has worked very negative effects on the system, well and has saved a lot of work in depending on where exactly they this part of the plot. I have used grow, when and how big they are. newspaper now, although it is off In early spring edible weeds such course an outside input. But today as dandelion and fat-hen a lot of people have subscribed to a (Chenopodium album) can provide newspaper and this might be a the first spring greens for the diet good use for it. In Brazil broad and help bridge the period of leaves are used to fulfil the same scarcity after the winter. Early in purpose and there are some the season and late in the year alternative fast and early growing weeds can provide a protective plants in Sweden, which could ground cover within a small scale replace the newspaper. There are a number of weeds, which could serve that purpose, for example 4 see B. Mollisons 'Permaculture' for a more Colt's foot (Tussilago forfora), detailed description of key-hole beds
12 Butterbum (Petasites hybridus), or with little soil. When the plant has oak leaves may be used, since come up, cover with more soil they compose slowly. about two times in the season, to keep stalks white. The young leek plants need watering in dry The crops5 weather.
The choice of crops for an intensive Allium cepa, Onion subsistence system, has to based on different criteria. These relate to Plant as soon as possible but the harvest security, nutrition, storage latest by May 1st qualities and space or labour Harvest when 20 % of the leaves effectiveness. The use of locally lagt sig) and dry out on the field for adapted crops and a great variety some time in the system make it easier to Space requirements: 4-7 cm meet the requirements. between plants and 50cm between rows 1. Plants with food products from roots, tubers or shoots The birds liked to play with the onions and took them out of the allium spp., Onion soil. We pre-grew some onions, but that didn't really solve the problem All onion varieties can be used for and the onion didn't grow better plant protection, since they repel either. The best way to keep out rodents when planted next to crops the birds turned out to cover the with sweet roots such as parsley freshly planted onions with grass root, parsnips etc. clippings. If the birds are very persistent it is also possible to fix allium ampeloprasum, Leek thorny branches between little sticks across the onion seed bed. seed directly as soon as possible We planted red and yellow onions. (or pre grow in February to March 6 and plant out in May or the Allium untans, Perennial Onion beginning of June) leek is frost hardy and can stay late This perennial onion is rich in in the field. vitamins and minerals, and can space requirements: 10-20 cm serve as a vegetable for the early between plants and 60cm between spring rows
Leek has a slow development and beta vulgaris, beetroot, (pronto, can therefore be planted together forano, libero, action f1) with early harvested crops e.g. lettuce. It can stay late in the field seed early varieties when the soil since it is frost resistant. Plant in reaches a temperature of 8-10% about 10 deep ridges and cover and winter varieties towards the end of may until the end of June
5 See also project report from 2000 for a complete list and description of crops grown in 6 Species in small print were not grown in the first years. 2001
13 space requirements: 40-50 cm into flower, and gave harvest into between rows late November after the first frosts. Single leaves can be harvested at staple food, doesn't need irrigation, a time and the plant will keep leaves are also edible producing. Mangold can also be grow together with root persilja grown with elastic bands around the outer leaves, to grow stronger All varieties gave good harvest, white stalks and less green leaves. and there were very little to no Mangold is (zweijaehrign) and can pests. Beets grown under fiberduk give a very early harvest in the came up faster, but there was no following spring (it is unlikely that it significant difference in yield in the will stand the cold in Uppsala end. though)
The varieties we used were I grew two varieties, one with white Some give long beets, while others stalks(silver) and one with yellow produce compact round beets. stalks(bright yellow). 'Silver', the Both are tasty, the long ones might white mangold was more frost be a little softer, but they might also hardy and yielded well until be more frost prone since the beet November. sticks out of the ground more. Brassica rapa, Turnip Beta vulgaris semisaccarifera, Sugarbeet Daucus carota, Carrot, (kampe, easy to harvest and store, roots parmex, lobbericher) and leaves are edible, high yields Seed in April and until the end of Beta vulgaris crassa, Fodderbeet June Space requirements: 45-55 cm fodder beet as energy reserve, in between rows case the other staple crops do not produce enough Carrots are rich in vitamin A, they are space effective and can be kept Beta vulgaris sicla, Mangold, in the soil until the following year. (bright yellow, silver) There is a huge number of different varieties. I seeded round Seed from the beginning of April and long carrots and an old yellow Space requirements: 10-15 cm variety, which is now considered a between plants, 40-50 cm between fodder carrot. The old variety rows yielded best and gave healthy large roots, while carrots on another plot Mangold leaves are rich in sodium, were heavily attacked by….. but contain less nitrates then Plant carrots with sage. spinach and are therefore better for small children. Helianthus tuberosus, sun root or When seeded early the risk for Jerusalem artichoke (stocklöppning) is not as high. The mangold started producing a lot, Sun roots are perennial, roots can when the spinach had already gone be harvested in late autumn and
14 small tubers which stay in the soil Sonalum tuberosum, Potatoe, will grow new plants the following (Asterix, Ditte, Sabina) year. Sun roots make good windbreaks. Nutrients? Potatoes are often attacked by nematodes. Marigold can be pastinaca sativa, parsnip, planted in the potato plot, to deter (halblange weisse) those. In any case should potatoes not be planted on the same plot seed as soon as possible more then once every seven years. space requirements: 8-12 cm The potatoes yielded well this year, between plants, 50 cm between but they got infected with potato rows blight, and have therefore not done very well in storage. needs to be planted together with onion for protection against 2. grains and cereals rodents. The cereals have been planted in Petroselinum hortense tuberosum, wider rows which are bordered with Root parsley, (bero) rows of their companion plants, Lucerne for wheat and peas for the Slow growing sweet root, therefore oats. seed early in spring or late in autumn and plant with e.g. early Avena sativa, Oats beetroots to best use space. Oats are rich in calcium and very Raphanus sativus, Radish, nutritious,
Prone to jordloppa, but with Avena sativa nudical, Naked oats because of its deep roots, it can be used as green manure, since it is This oat variety does not need to good for the soil structure, even of be shelled for consumption. It is the harvest is not too good. more perceptible to disease though. But is could well be Scorzonera hispanica, black root, included in next years plot, since it (maxima) reduces the amount of energy needed for the food processing and Seed as soon as possible is therefore a good crop for Space requirements: 10 cm subsistence agriculture. It is also between plants and 40-50 cm an old variety which is worth between rows preserving and using.
Black roots grow best in light, deep, Fagopyrum esculentum, loose soil. They grow till late in Buckwheat autumn and can stay late in the field. Black roots can even be Hordeum, Naked barley harvested early the following year. Old cereal variety, no shelling They are best stored in humid needed, but 'naked' grains are sand. more susceptible to fungi
Secale cereale, Rye
15 Space requirements: 15 cm Triticum aestivum, Wheat between plants and 50 cm between rows Long growing period, for the next season winter weed has been High yielding root, which is not seeded to ensure a better harvest attacked by rodents. Frost next year resistant. Plant together with carrots(30cm) and spinach(40cm). Zea mays, Corn Brassica oleracea, Cabbage, white Seed from the middle of May and red onwards, but nor too late, otherwise cobs won't fully develop Pregrow in March or seed in Space requirements: 25 cm March- middle of April. between plants and 70-100 cm Space requirements: 50 cm between rows, 3-5 cm deep between plants and 60-70 cm between rows Corn can be used as natural trellis There are winter and summer for beans, low growing plants such varieties. as cucumber grow well in the slightly shaded spaces between the Cabbages take up quite a lot of rows, so does the slow growing space and need a lot of nutrients. New Zealand spinach. They did well in mulched keyhole beds. Can be attacked quite 3. Brassica heavily by caterpillars. Can be pre- grown in the greenhouse and Brassica juncea, Japanese transplanted later. cabbage
Seed early in the year or late in Brassica oleracea botrytis, August, because the plant will go to Cauliflower and Broccoli, (fastman) flower in midsummer. Space requirements: 30 cm Pregrow starting from February between plants-or plant in onwards. continuous rows, 50 cm between Space requirements: 30-55 cm rows between plants, 60 cm between rows Japanese cabbage has green leaves with a strong mustardy More secure harvest when taste, which can be eaten in stir precultivated, but can be seeded fries or in salads. They are fast directly also. Broccoli is more growing and easy to grow, if there resistant to pest then cauliflower. is enough water for the seeds to sprout. The plants are shade Brassica oleracea gemmifera, tolerant and can be used to fill Brussel sprouts, (roodnerf) gaps. Pregrow 15th March to 15th of Brassica napus, Kalrot, (ostgota II) May, or seed directly between April and May Seed from May until midsummer.
16 Space requirements: 40-55 cm Portulaca oleracea sativa, Portlak? between plants, 65 cm between rows Slow growing, but high yielding and anspruchslos? High protein content, the plant can stay on the field and can be Spinacia oleracea, Spinach harvested bit by bit. This year only very few plants came up, and were Spinach gave the first green too late to yield. It looks like it is vegetables this season. It then better to pre-cultivate it. went into flower quite early.
Brassica oleracea gongylodes, Tetragonia expansa, New Zealand Kohlrabi? Spinach
Long-lived, high protein, can be New Zealand Spinach is similar to eaten raw or cooked. Kohlrabi portlak? With very low yields and a should be seeded together with long growing period. It doesn't leafy greens such as rucola, really seemd to be worth growing, spinach lettuce and fennel to make unless there are seeds left over. In best use of space. that case it is perfect for filling small gaps or spaces between rows of Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica, larger crops such as sunflower corn Kale, (Westland autumn) etc.
Seed in April until the end of June, when the soil has warmed up well 5. Fruit vegetables Space requirements: 45-60 cm between plants, 65 cm between Cucumis sativus, Cucumber rows Seed towards the middle of May Frost tolerant crop. Can stay out in Space requirements: 15-20 cm the field until the winter. The leaves between plants, 150 cm between are harvested from the bottom up. rows
4. Leafy vegetables Cucumbers can be planted in between rows of corn to efficiently Apium graveolens, Celery use space and because the cucumbers can use the light shade Lactuca sativa, Lettuce of the corn plants.
There are a lot of different lettuce Curcubita Pepo, Pumpkin and varieties. Lettuce can be used to fill Zucchini gaps since it is a fast growing vegetable. It is not very rich in The flowers are edible. Zucchini nutrients, but it contains folic acid, give a higher and more secure which is important in the diet. harvest then cucumber, but they Winter lettuce is frost hardy and take up a lot of space. Pumpkin thus provides fresh greens until late can self seed if the whole fruit is left in the year. in the field under mulch.
17 3. fruit Lycopersicum esculentum, Tomatoe Crataegus, Hawthorn
Tomatoes must be protected Hardy fruit bush which produces against the wind and should be fruit very high in vitamin C. transplanted very late for them to survive. A low bushy variety did Malus pumila, Apple well this year in a protected keyhole bed with borage or Apple trees are best planted with a basilicum as companions. They number of companions to use the encourage growth and make space under the canopy and to tomatoes more tasty. keep out grass.
2. oil plants Rosa rugosa, Rose hips
Brassica napus, nigra, hirta Rose hips are very high in vitamin C and have been traditionally used oilradish… in Sweden. The flowers are also edible. There are a number of local Corylus avellana L., Hazelnut varieties which could be established on the plot within the Helianthus annuus, Sunflower shelter hedge.
Sunflowers can be used for direct Rubus spp., Raspberry consumption and to make oil. Sunflowers have deep roots and Other cultivars include can therefore retrieve nutrients and boysenberry, loganberry. minerals. They can also heal Raspberries grow on trellis. There compressed soils. Sunflowers can are a number of local varieties in in some cases serve as natural the Uppsala area, which grow trellis for beans or peas, but I found wildly in the forest and on road it a little hard to time the seeding edges. It could be interesting to well, so that the pea doesn't grow take some cuttings for the next before the sunflower. year. These varieties are not highly Sunflowers release strong root productive, but very well adapted to exudates, which inhibit growth of the area. They could be part of the other plants. Plant therefore at shelter hedge. least 30 cm away from potatoes. Sambucus nigra, Elder Linus usitatissimum, Linseed A locally well adapted plant which Papaver somniferum, Poppy produces rich flowers and fruit that can be preserved for the winter. Tasty seeds, which are rich in oil and starch Vaccinium oxycoccus/marocarpon, Cranberry
18 Cranberries need a lot of moisture Space requirements: 20 between and normaly grow in the forest. It plants and 40-50 cm between rows could be worth a try to establish some plants around the edge of the Fennel can be planted with plot under the larger trees. broadleaved vegetables such as beets and cabbeche to make best Vaccinium spp., Blueberry use of space. plants with high vitamin C content Lepidium sativum, Cress
Leaves and seed(for the winter!) 4. herbs and other companion are edible. Use to fill gaps. plants Marygolds Anethum Graveolens, Dill Petrosilium hortense, Parsley Dill is fast growing and its flowers make good bee and wasp fodder. Slow growing, therefore plant with Allow some to flower and self seed. faster growing crops such as lettuce and mangold. Parsley leaves are rich in iron. Parsley did Borago officinalis, Borage very well on the plot and since it is quite hardy it gives green leaves Young leaves and flowers can be until late into the autumn, after the eaten in salads. It has anti- first frosts. It can be frozen, dried or inflammatory qualities. Borage is preserved in oil and salt for the excellent bee forage and can winter. function as a temporary windbreak. The plant tolerates poor soils but Pimpinella anisum, Anis needs regular water. It makes good manure since it breaks down Salvia spp., Sage quickly and contains potash. Sage is a good companion to Carum carve, Caraway carrots.
Chamaemelum nobile, Chamomile Utrica dioica, Nettle
Corinadrum sativum, Cilantro 5. legumes and other nitrogene Fast growing herb to fill gaps, fixers flowers easily and produces seeds. Cilantro has a very strong taste and Caragana, Siberian pea shrub can be used for cooking. Windbreak and hedge shrub, is Foeniculum vulgare, Fennel cold and wind hardy. But the Siberian pea shrub is not native to Seed directly in May or pregrow in Sweden. March-April, about 5-6 weeks before transplanting Medicago sativa, Lucerne
19 Lucernes deep roots open up the soil, the seeds can be sprouted in winter and eaten.
Phaseolus vulgaris, Common bean
Seed as soon as possible Space requirements: 10-15 cm between plants and 50-70 cm between rows
Bushy varieties have a shorter growth period and are more frost resistant, but trellis save space. Beans can be grown on sunflowers.
Pisum sativum, Peas
The peas were heavily attacked by the birds. It was therefore essential to cover freshly seede beds with grass clipping.
Trifolium, Clover
Vicia Fava, Fava beans
The young leaves and pots and the beans are edible. Careful! Some people are highly allergic against fava beans!
Vicia sativa, Common vetch
For manure, cut before flowering, so that the nitrogen stays in the soil.
20 Harvest Workload The following calculations of the When working in a subsistence harvested nutrients7 are garden there are different period preliminary, since not all crops over the year which require could be harvested and since I different kinds of inputs. The have not yet been able to find the planning stage is very important for nutritional analysis of all species a successful growing year and it that were grown. All calculations should start in early winter when about the dietary requirements the memories of the past growing have been based on the United season are still fresh. A good plan States Recommended Dietary makes the work in the spring much Allowance (RDA). These easier. calculations are based on the needs of a person on a high protein I have worked approx. 300 hours diet and therefore not a hundred between April until the 20th of percent adequate for a vegan. August 2001 and then for a week in They can give some first insight October to finish the harvest. The though and in the next season it is most time consuming activities in hoped to involve a nutritionist to the field were the set up of the plot, investigate and clarify. the seeding, and the harvest. The set up will require significantly less Up to know the yearly caloric time next season and eventually no requirements of one person have time at all once the system is set not been met. Oil crops have not up. Weeding time was along side been harvested, because I was crop protection and thinning absent during their ripening. This is another larger factor. This could be the main reason for the lack of considerable lowered by more calories and fat in the overall mulching and newspaper-mulching. results. No cereals were harvested Much time was invested in either this year. The wheat was dug documenting and searching for under to make space for the winter additional information. When seen wheat, which was sown to ensure a over the entire season workload better harvest next year. The oats was of course highest in the were also too late to be harvested beginning and end of the season due to the major bird damage early and after short vacations. in the year. Not all beans have been harvested, because I was not Exchange of experiences and in Sweden in the months of consultation with others are September when most crops essential parts of the work. Some ripened and when I got back the time every day should be spend to first frosts had already destroyed observe the plot, the development beans. of the crops, the weather etc. It can All these factors account for be very helpful to keep a garden another large part of the lack in diary. Some time needs to be spent proteins and calories. Vitamin C thinking, looking and elaborating on new ideas, so that the process is a dynamic one and that it doesn't end 7 The nutrient values of the crops have been up being pure drudgery. taken from the USDA Nutrient data base and from a nutrient analysis by Platt(1983).
21 was one more difficult factor. Here be done in a number of ways. Field the future contribution of fruit trees visits will be organized on a regular and bushes will realize the basis. A monthly leaflet about requirements. seasonal vegetables and new from Iron and Vitamin A requirements the farm could be produced and if were almost met entirely. resources and time permit a more direct collaboration with a school or Plan for 2002 and long term a consumer group in the from of study visits and study groups could The most important initial steps for be initiated. the set up of a stable food system Such activities can open a little will be completed by the end of the window to a different way of next season and continuation of the producing food. project would then be a combination of the maintenance of On the more practical side there the established frame and additions are a number of things which will and changes according to new or be changes for the next season: different experiences. • A naked oat variety will be grown to gain a little more One important aspect of experience on such old permaculture thinking is the idea of variety. embededness of the agricultural • Over the winter I will search system within the whole and the for more perennial plants as need for overall sustainability and well, which could be suited the recreation of links and bridges to the area. And cuttings of between the productive sector and local fruit bushes can be the consumers. There is no taken to keep building up permaculture garden close to the shelter hedge. The plan Uppsala, where some of the is to introduce more herbs aspects, whish I tried to include in this coming season as well. my system such as the use of • Mushrooms could been perennial plants, the set up of a grown (on straw) in addition to interconnected system etc. could give some B12 and extra be seen in practice. I therefore find protein and because it is a it important to keep up this project relatively secure source of food on a longer term basis. Students which can be grown in should be enabled to work in the disadvantages places like in garden like we have done in the the own basement. past years, through a regular scholarship by the Ekhaga foundation. The set up of a self sufficient food plot is a permanent, long term process and the organisational and financial frame needs to be adapted to this.
In the next season it would be interesting to strengthen this link between the project on the farm and consumer in the city. This can
22 Concluding remarks
The harvest so far does not meet the nutritional requirements of one person. This results from a number of different reasons: oil crops and beans could not be harvested, and were therefore not yet included in the overall calculations making for a lack of fat in the diet. No cereals were harvested either due the damage of the crop earlier in the year. It also has to be taken into consideration that the planning period before the beginning of the project was too short and that seeding was rushed because it was already late into the season. I was also not an experienced gardener to start with and had to learn a lot from scratch or transfer theoretical knowledge into practice.
The results show clearly that a lot depends on the set up and the maturity of the system. Vitamin C and also fat needs can be more easily and securely be met when fruit and nut trees are part of the system. With experience on the site and once the system matures it should be possible to produce sufficient food with high security on the plot.
The question whether to plant cereals or root crops as the main staple crop remains. Cereals are easy to store and they are also a very traditional part of the Swedish diet. It would therefore be interesting to keep looking for better ways of growing them in a small system while ensuring a secure harvest. Root crops have again proven to be more space efficient in this system and they form the basis of the diet.
23 Annotated Bibliography
Berglund, Karin. 1996, Din Trädgård, Bonnier Alba BA, Stockholm
Beautiful book about gardening in Sweden with an overview about both ornamental and edible garden plants, trees and bushes.
Duhon, David. 1985, One Circle, Ecology Action, California
Gålmark, Lisa. 2000, Vadå Vegan, Raben & Sjögren, Sweden
A beginners guide to veganism written for teenagers. Contains good basic information on the subject and a lot of references and contacts for Sweden.
Jeavons, John. 1995, How to grow more vegetables, Ten Speed Press, Califorania
Koepf/Petterssn/Schaumann. 1976, Bio-Dynamic Agriculture, Anthroposophic Press, New York
Leisner, Marianne. 1996. Villrosene:Økologi i Hagen, Landbruksforlaget, Norway
Mollison, Bill. 1988, Permaculture: desinger's manual, Tagari, Australia
The main reference book about permaculture with in depth analysis and explanaitions on both theoretical concepts and practical problems.
Mollison, Bill/ Holmgren, David. 1984, Permakultur Landwirtschaft und Siedlungen in Harmonie mit der Natur (Permaculture One), pala-verlag gmbh, Germany
A first introduction to Permaculture with a lot of practical information. The German version includes plant lists and descriptions for a colder climate.
New Zealand vegetarian Society, 2001. Vitamin B12, www.ivu.org/nzvs, (6.12.2001)
Simply Vegan: Quick Vegetarian Meals, by Debra Wasserman and Nutrition Section by Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D. Published (1990/1991) by the Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, (410) 366- VEGE. ISBN 0-931411-05-X
Internet guides to vegan nutrition:
The Vegan Society: http://www.vegansociety.com/html/info/infohome.html
24 The vegan society has a number of information shiets posted on the net, which provide imformation on the most important nutrition and other aspects of a vegan diet.
The Vegan Village: http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/web.htm The vegan village website includes a number of links to other sites with information on nutrition, health and campaigns as well as own recepies and links to other vegan cookbooks on the net.
Other useful net sites (from December 2001):
Den virtuella floran: http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/welcome.html Database about Nordic flora with plant descriptions and pictures, information on the natural habitat of the plants and their use, as well as the common plant names in five northern European languages.
Nutrient Data Laboratory: www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/ Database for nutrient analysis of all main food crops
Kalf-Hansens Matatelje AB: www.kalf-hansen.com This is the website of Kalf Hansen, a chef who works with seasonal cooking and offers cooking courses too. Their seasonal menu provides good ideas for the own cooking. Contacts in Sweden
25 Appendix 1. In the centre of the plot there is an apple tree and two berry bushes, accompanied by some grass competitors, herbs and spring bulbs to provide ground cover from early in the year until the start of the winter.
26 Centrum för uthålligt lantbruk – CUL är ett samarbetsforum för forskare och andra med intresse för ekologiskt lantbruk och lantbrukets uthållighetsfrågor. CUL arbetar med utveckling av tvärvetenskapliga forskningsmetoder och för samverkan och sam- planering av insatser för: • forskning • utvecklingsarbete • utbildning • informationsspridning
Centrum för uthålligt lantbruk Box 7047 750 07 Uppsala www.cul.slu.se